Upper torso exercise machine

ABSTRACT

The subject invention provides an upper body exercise machine with increased longitudinal and lateral range of motions. As described herein, the exercise machine contains dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms enabling a user emulate the natural biomechanical motion associated with free weights, while maintaining the stability of an exercise machine. The dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms permit the handles to be independently or in combination moved forward (i.e., longitudinally) and inward (i.e., laterally) in a relationship selected by the user. Consequently, the user can grasp the handles and push forward and inward in the natural actuate path. Alternatively, the user can select another path to give the muscles a different workout.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/337,737, filed Nov. 13, 2001, entitled CHEST PRESS, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] n/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of exercise and physical rehabilitation equipment; in particular, to an apparatus for exercising the upper torso.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is often necessary or desirable for a person to exercise a particular muscle or group of muscles. For example, when a muscle is damaged, such as through injury or surgery, it is important to exercise the muscle to prevent atrophy and to strengthen the muscle for normal use. Further, people exercise healthy muscles to increase strength and to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as to improve their appearance. Various routines have been developed to exercise different muscle groups by forcing the muscles to contract and extend under a load, such as by moving a free weight against the force of gravity or by moving a handle whose movement is resisted by an exercise machine.

[0005] One such exercise is known as a chest press. An exerciser lies supine on a bench and grasps a barbell above him. The exerciser then pushes the barbell upward, away from his chest, and lowers it down. This exercise can be dangerous as the exerciser may drop the barbell. Further, the exerciser should have a partner to spot him in case he fails to lift the weight and becomes trapped below it. Even if done properly with a partner, this exercise may not permit the user a full range of exercise since the barbell may hit the user's chest before the chest and arm muscles have extended fully. When using free weights, the resistance provided by gravity is constant while the strength of the muscles varies over the range of motion. Consequently, the muscles are not fully loaded at each point over the range. During a chest press, the hands seek to follow a curved path inward as the weight is extended from the chest. This path cannot be followed when using a barbell because the hands are maintained at a fixed distance.

[0006] To overcome these difficulties, machines have been developed that simulate the exercise movements of a chest press. In one known apparatus a user exercises by pushing handles away from his chest while in a sitting position. A seat and backrest are mounted to a frame to position a user. Two arms are rotateably mounted as a unit to the frame. The handles are mounted to the arms. The pivot for the arms is disposed above the seat. A cable operably connects the arms to a weight stack such that when a user pushes on the handles, thereby rotating the arms, the weight stack is lifted and provides resistance to the exercise. The cable may extend over a variable radius cam, which alters the distance the weight is displaced for a given amount of handle rotation. In this configuration, the resistance to the movement of the handles can be varied to match the strength curve of the chest muscles. While such an apparatus s solve many problems associated with performing a chest press exercise with barbells or dumbbells, it does not permit the user to vary the distance between his hands while performing the exercise.

[0007] In another apparatus, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,631, an exercise machine is disclosed in which levers are rotateably mounted to a frame above the seated user. Handles are mounted to the levers. Resistance to handle movement is provided by weight plates mounted to the levers. The hinges for the levers are disposed at an angle of 20 degrees. with respect to a central vertical midplane, such that the user must move his hands in defined arcs in converging planes as he presses forward on the handles. This apparatus forces the user's hands to be brought together at a preset rate as they are pressed away from the chest, regardless of the user's anatomy. This apparatus does not permit the user to select his own path of motion for the press exercise. Rather, the motion is dictated by the angle of the hinges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The subject invention provides an upper body exercise machine with increased longitudinal and lateral range of motions. As described herein, the exercise machine contains independent dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms enabling a user emulate the natural motion associated with free weights, while maintaining the stability of an exercise machine.

[0009] The exercise machine of the subject invention provides an upper torso exercise machine, for example a chest press machine. The chest press machine includes a support frame to which a user support structure is mounted. The user support structure includes an adjustable seat and a backrest, where the adjustable seat is adapted to be positioned at various heights along the support frame, providing a comfortable starting position and allowing a full range of motion for users of varying stature. In an exemplary embodiment, the seat and the backrest are in a partially reclined position.

[0010] Lifting arms are mounted to the support frame by a pair of dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms, where the hinge mechanisms are opposingly mounted onto the support frame. The hinge mechanisms include a pair of primary hinges and a pair of secondary hinges. The primary hinges are mounted to support frame and located above the seat, where the primary hinges are mounted as mirror images of each other. The primary hinges include primary bearing tubes mounted on sealed bearings and rotateable about primary hinge axes. The secondary hinges are rotateably mounted to the primary hinges, and include secondary bearing tubes mounted to sealed bearings and rotateable about secondary hinge axes. The secondary hinge axes are skew to the primary hinge axes; in other words, the secondary hinge axes are not parallel to the primary hinge axes.

[0011] The dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms operate to divide the resistance provided by the weight stack into a longitudinal component and a lateral component. These separated components of resistance increase the effectiveness of the exercise by more consistently loading the muscles throughout the range of motion and in addition, provide feedback to the user that encourages symmetrical exercise paths of the right and left hands.

[0012] Handles are mounted at the end of the arms distal to the secondary bearing tubes. The handles present the user with a barbell grip. Alternatively, a variable position handle such as a pivoting handle, or a pad for pushing with the user's arm, wrist or elbow, could be attached to the arm to permit the user to perform other exercises.

[0013] The arms are operable connected to the weight stack via the transmission system and lifting cables, where the transmission system could include a rotateable eccentric shaped cam operable connected to a weight stack. As the user presses forward and inward on the handles the transmission system is caused to rotate, lifting the weight stack.

[0014] To operate the apparatus of the present invention, a weight is selected on the main weight stack by placing a pin in one of the holes, as is known in the art. The user adjusts the seat to a suitable position. For example, a user with a longer torso will adjust the seat to a lower height such that the handles are positioned at a comfortable height near the user's chest. The user then grasps the handles and pushes forward. The movement of the handles causes the arms to move which, in turn, cause the secondary bearing tubes to move. This movement causes the primary bearing tubes to rotate which, in turn, causes the transmission system to rotate, rotating the cam, and lifting the selected weight. The user then returns the handles to the initial position, thereby lowering the weight. When the user pushes the handles in the forward direction (concentric action), the resistance provided by the weight is overcome. When the user returns the handles (eccentric action), the user succumbs to the resistance provided by the weight.

[0015] The dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms permit the handles to be independently or in combination moved forward (i.e., longitudinally) and inward (i.e., laterally) in a relationship selected by the user. The two different modes of operation available to the user are machine defined path or user defined path. In the machine defined path, the user would push in the forward direction and the arms would be restricted to a natural converging path motion defined by the angular orientation of the primary axis which would be approximately 20 to 25 degrees convergent per side to the longitudinal axis of the machine. No path of motion less convergent than the machine defined path would be available to the user. Under the second mode of operation, the user would start out by pushing inward as well as forward. In this mode once the user exceeds a component of lateral force set by the machine geometry, they are free to move inward as much as desired in addition to moving forward. In the user defined mode, Any path of motion that is more convergent than the machine defined path is available to the user at any time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view a chest press machine of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is left side view a chest press machine of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a top view a chest press machine of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a front view a chest press machine of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a rear view a chest press machine of the present invention; and

[0023]FIG. 7 is a right side view a chest press machine of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The subject invention provides an upper body exercise machine with increased longitudinal and lateral range of motions while offering a consistent resistance throughout the range of motion of the joints being trained. As described herein, the exercise machine includes independent dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms enabling a user emulate the natural motion associated with free weights, while maintaining a consistent resistance applied to the muscles, in the stability of an exercise machine.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise machine 10 of the present invention includes a support frame 12 having a front leg 14, rear base 16, and a vertical support 18. A seat 20 is mounted to the front leg 14 of the support frame 12. The seat 20 is adapted to be positioned at various heights along the front leg 14 to provide a comfortable starting position and to the proper alignment of the shoulder for users of varying stature. A backrest 22 is mounted on the front leg 14 above the seat 20, wherein the backrest 22 defines a plane. Although this machine is shown to have a minimally inclined backrest, other configurations provide various degrees of incline. As shown, the front leg 14 angles away behind the seat 20 in an upward direction such that the backrest 22 is in a partially reclined position. The seat 20 and backrest 22 comprise a user support adapted to maintain the user in a comfortable position for exercising.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the arms 24 are mounted to the support frame 12 by independent dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b, where the hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b are mounted on vertical support 18 with hinge bracket 28. The hinge bracket 28 is mounted to the vertical support, such that the hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b are at an angle β from the horizontal plane, wherein the angle β can be between about −30 degrees to about +30 degrees. The hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b include primary hinges 30 a and 30 b and secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b. The primary hinges 30 a and 30 b are mounted to the hinge bracket 28 and also located above the seat 20. The primary hinges 30 a and 30 b are mounted as non-parallel, non-planar mirror images of each other, disposed in a skewed orientation to the plane defined by the backrest 22. The dual hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b are mounted to the hinge bracket 28 such that the axes of rotation of the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b are at an angle a to plane A, as defined by the backrest 22. The angle α can be between about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, wherein for the exemplary embodiment exercise machine a can be between about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees. The secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b are mounted to the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b, such that the rotational axes of the secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b are skewed with respect to the rotational axes of the primary hinge 30 a and 30 b; in other words, the secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b axes are not parallel to the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b axes. The rotational axes of the secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b are at an angle δ to the rotational axes of the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b. The angle δ can be between about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, wherein for the exemplary embodiment exercise machine δ is about 90 degrees.

[0027] While in the current embodiment the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b are disposed directly above the rear of the backrest 22 (see FIG. 2), they could be located in other positions and still practice the invention. In particular, the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b could be positioned in front or behind the backrest 22 to vary the direction of handle motion, providing a declined press or an inclined press exercise, respectively.

[0028] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b includes a primary bearing tube 34 mounted on sealed bearings (not shown) and rotateable about the rotational axes of the primary hinges 30 a and 30 b. The secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b include secondary bearing tubes 38 mounted to sealed bearings (not shown) and rotateable about the secondary hinge's 32 a and 32 b axes of rotation. The secondary bearing tubes 38 are affixed to the primary bearing tubes 34 such that as the secondary bearing tubes 38 are rotated about the secondary hinge's 32 a and 32 b axes of rotation the primary bearing tubes 34 are rotated about primary hinge's 30 a and 30 b axes rotation.

[0029] The hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b operate to divide the resistance provided by the weight stack 40 into a longitudinal component and a lateral component. These separated components of resistance increase the effectiveness of the exercise by more consistently loading the muscles throughout the range of motion and in addition, provide feedback to the user that encourages symmetrical exercise paths of the right and left hands. By providing lateral resistance, and by encouraging a symmetric stroke, the hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b can make the exercise machine feel “stable” as perceived by a user.

[0030] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the arms 24 are rigidly attached to the secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b, at an inclination to the rotational axes of the secondary hinges 32 a and 32 b. (See also FIG. 5). At a point distal the secondary bearing tubes, the arms curve to become essentially perpendicular to the secondary hinge axes. Handles 60 are mounted at the end of the arms 24 distal to the secondary bearing tubes 38. The handles 60 present the user with a barbell grip. Alternatively, a variable position handle such as a pivoting handle, or a pad for pushing with the user's arm, wrist or elbow, could be attached to the arm to permit the user to perform other exercises.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a weight stack brace 42 is attached to the support frame 12 by beams 44, such that the weight stack 40 is easily accessed by a user seated in seat 20. Chevron-shaped bridges 46 a and 46 b (See also FIG. 3) are rigidly mounted to the front leg 14 and the weight stack brace 42, respectively. The chevron-shaped bridges 46A and 46 b support a transmission 48, including a shaft 50, a first cam 52 and a second cam 54. (See also FIG. 6) A weight stack pulley set 56 a and 56 b is mounted to the top of the weight stack brace 42, with pulley 56 a aligned with the first cam 52 and pulley 56 b aligned with the weight stack 40. Rails 58 are mounted vertically within the weight stack brace 42. Weight stack 40 is slidingly mounted to the rails 58 and provides a resistance to the exercise.

[0032] In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms for providing resistance, such as friction fitting, springs, elastic bands, pneumatic or electromagnetic resistance, or an air resistance fan could be employed (either alone or in combination) and still practice the invention. Additionally, free weights could be operably engaged to the arms 24 to resist the movement.

[0033] In still a further embodiment (not shown), the resistance can be provided by weighted plates disposed directly on the arms 24, as is known in the art.

[0034] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, pivot arms 62 are mounted to the primary bearing tube 34. A bumper arm 64 is mounted to the pivot arm 62 distal to the primary bearing tube 34. The bumper arm 64 has a bumper 66 at its distal end positioned to contact the arms 24. As the arms 24 are spread apart, the bumpers 66 engage the arms 24. In the rest position, the bumper arm 64 operates to limit the lateral range of motion of the handles 60 and to define a lateral starting position.

[0035] In the rest position the arms 24 extend laterally outward and longitudinally forward from the secondary hinge 32 a and 32 b, contacting the bumpers 66. In an embodiment, the arm 24 would fall towards the midline due to the position of its center of gravity with respect to the location of the secondary hinge. To prevent this, torsion spring 80 is wrapped around secondary hinge tubes 38 and located in such a way to provide a counter balance for arms 24. (See also FIG. 4). This enables the user to sit in the seat 20 without having to move the arms 24 out of the way, and keeps the handles 60 in the exercise starting position.

[0036] In an embodiment, a shown in FIG. 6, the pivot arms 62 are operably connected to the weight stack 40 via the transmission system 48. A first pair of frame pulleys 68 are mounted to the vertical support 18 of the support frame 12. A second pair of frame pulleys 70 are mounted to the front leg 14 of the support frame 12, wherein the second pair of frame pulleys 70 are mounted below and inline with the first pair of frame pulleys 68. (See also FIG. 2) A lifting pulley 72 is operably connected to the arms 24 by a first cable 74, wherein the first cable 74 is threaded about and through the first pair of frame pulleys 68 and second pair of frame pulleys 70, such that the lifting pulley 72 is positioned above second cam 54. A second cable 76 connects the lifting pulley 72 to the second cam 54, such that the second cam 54 is caused to rotate when at least one of the arms 24 is extended.

[0037] A belt 78 is attached at one end to the first cam 52 and extends over the weight stack pulleys 56 a and 56 b and is attached to the weight stack 40. (See also FIG. 7). As the user presses forward or inward on the handles 60, the lifting pulley 72 is raised, causing the second cable 76 to unwind and rotate the second cam 54. As the second cam 54 rotates, the shaft 50 and the first cam 52 rotate as well. The rotation of the first cam 52 pulls the belt 78 over the weight stack pulleys 56 a and 56 b, and thus lifts the weight stack 40.

[0038] In an exemplary method of operation, a weight is selected on the main weight stack 40 by placing a pin (not shown) in one of the holes, as is known in the art. The user adjusts the seat 20 to a suitable position on the front leg 14. For example, a user with a longer torso will adjust the seat to a lower height such that the handles 60 are positioned at a comfortable height near the user's chest. The user then grasps the handles 60 and pushes forward. The movement of the handles 60 causes the arms 24 to move which, in turn, cause the primary and secondary bearing tubes 34 and 38 to move. The movement of the primary and secondary bearing tubes 34 and 38 causes the lifting pulley 72 to be raised. As the lifting pulley 72 is raised, the second cam 54, shaft 50, and first cam 52 rotate, pulling on the belt 78 and lifting the selected weight. The user then returns the handles 60 to the initial position, thereby lowering the weight. When the user pushes the handles 60 forward (concentric action), the resistance provided by the weight is overcome. When the user returns the handles 60 (eccentric action), the user succumbs to the resistance provided by the weight.

[0039] The hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b permit the handles 60 to be independently or in combination moved forward (i.e., longitudinally) and inward (i.e., laterally) in a relationship selected by the user. Consequently, the user can grasp the handles 60 and push forward and inward in a natural arcuate path. Alternatively, the user can select another path to give the muscles a different workout. The two different modes of operation available to the user are machine defined path or user defined path. In the machine defined path, the user would push in the forward direction and the arms would be restricted to a natural converging path motion defined by the angular orientation of the primary axis which would be approximately 20 to 25 degrees convergent per side toward the midplane of the machine. No path of motion less convergent than the machine defined path would be available to the user. Under the second mode of operation, the user would start out by pushing inward as well as forward. In this mode once the user exceeds a component of lateral force set by the machine geometry, they are free to move inward as much as desired in addition to moving forward. In the user defined mode, Any path of motion that is more convergent than the machine defined path is available to the user at any time.

[0040] It should be under stood that the dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms 26 a and 26 b may be used on other upper torso weight machines, for example an inclined, decline, or flat chest press machines, and overhead shoulder press machines. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the subject invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An upper torso exercise machine comprising: a frame; a pair of dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms independently mounted to the frame; and a pair of arms mounted one each to the pair of dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms.
 2. The upper torso machine according to claim 1, wherein the dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms each comprise a primary hinge having a primary axis of rotation and a secondary hinge having a secondary axis or rotation, wherein the primary axes of rotation are not parallel and are in a skewed orientation to the frame, and the secondary hinges are affixed to the primary hinges such that the secondary axes of rotation are skewed from the primary axes of rotation.
 3. The upper torso machine according to claim 2, wherein the primary hinges includes a primary bearing tube and the secondary hinge includes a secondary bearing tube, wherein the secondary bearing tubes are affixed to the primary bearing tubes.
 4. The upper torso machine according to claim 2, wherein the arms are connected to the secondary hinges.
 5. The upper torso machine according to claim 1, further comprising a user support structure including: a seat mounted to the frame; and a backrest mounted to the frame above and behind the seat.
 6. The upper torso machine according to claim 5, wherein the pair of dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms are mounted above the user support structure.
 7. The upper torso machine according to claim 5, wherein the pair dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms are mounted behind the user support structure.
 8. The upper torso machine according to claim 1, wherein the arms each include a handle.
 9. The upper torso machine according to claim 1, further comprising a resistance mechanism operable connected to the arms.
 10. An exercise machine for exercising muscles of the upper torso comprising: a frame; a user support structure; a pair of primary hinges mounted to the frame defining a pair of non-parallel primary axes of rotation in skewed orientation to the frame; a pair of secondary hinges mounted to the pair of primary hinges defining a pair of nonparallel secondary axes of rotation in a skewed orientation to the pair of primary axes of rotation; a pair of arms mounted to the pair of secondary hinges; and a resistance mechanism operable connected to the pair of arms.
 11. The upper torso machine according to claim 10, wherein the primary hinges includes a primary bearing tube and the secondary hinge includes a secondary bearing tube, wherein the secondary bearing tubes are affixed to the primary bearing tubes.
 12. The exercise machine according to claim 10, wherein the user support structure includes: a seat mounted to the frame; and a backrest mounted to the frame above and behind the seat.
 13. The exercise machine according to claim 10, wherein the pair of primary hinges are mounted above the seat and above the backrest.
 14. The exercise machine according to claim 10, wherein the user support structure includes a horizontal bench.
 15. The exercise machine according to claim 14, wherein the pair of primary hinges is mounted behind the horizontal bench.
 16. An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the upper torso of a user by resisting displacement of the user's limbs comprising; a frame; a seat mounted to the frame; a backrest mounted to the frame above and behind the seat, wherein the backrest defines a plane; a first primary hinge mounted to the frame defining a first primary pivot axis, wherein the first primary pivot axis is in a skew orientation to the backrest plane; a first secondary hinge mounted to the first primary hinge defining a first secondary pivot axis, wherein the first secondary pivot axis in a skew orientation to the first primary pivot axis; and a first arm mounted to the first secondary hinge.
 17. The exercise machine according to claim 16, further comprising a resistance mechanism operable connected to the first arm.
 18. The exercise machine according to claim 16, further comprising; a second primary hinge mounted to the frame defining a second primary pivot axis, wherein the second primary pivot axis is in skewed orientation to the backrest plane and is in a non-parallel, non-planar orientation to the first primary pivot axis; a second secondary hinge mounted to the second primary hinge defining a second secondary pivot axis, wherein the second secondary pivot axis in a skewed orientation to the second primary pivot axis and in a non-parallel, non-planar orientation to the first secondary pivot axis; and a second arm mounted to the second secondary hinge, wherein the resistance means is operable connected to the second arm.
 19. The exercise machine according to claim 18, where the angle between backrest plane and the first and second primary pivot axes is between about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees.
 20. The exercise machine according to claim 18, where the angle between first and secondary primary pivot axes and the first and second secondary pivot axes is between about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees.
 21. An exercise machine comprising: a loading mechanism: and a pair of opposing arms couples to the loading mechanism so as to be movable along a user defined converging path that can be translated laterally with respect to each other. 